EU to have universal mobile charger

BRUSSELS: No more asking around the office for the right sort of charger. At least that's what European Union and mobile phone officials are hoping.

Ten of the world's leading mobile phone makers announced yesterday that they will introduce a universal charger for data-enabled handsets as of next year.

EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said selling a single, standard charger will cut costs for manufacturers and reduce the number of chargers thrown away when consumers buy new phones.